For more than a decade, conversations about church technology centered on adoption. Should churches livestream services? Should they offer digital giving? Should they invest in apps or online engagement tools? Today, most church leaders agree technology has a place in ministry. 

According to Barna’s new study, Technology for Missional Impact: State of Church Tech 2026, produced in partnership with Pushpay, a more pressing question now is how intentionally churches align those tools with their mission. In many ways, it’s not a matter of if churches use technology but how they use it for faithful and fruitful ministry.

Technology Is Opening New Ministry Opportunities

In this regard, church leaders overwhelmingly see technology as a positive force in ministry. The report finds 95 percent of church leaders agree (strongly + somewhat) that technology opens new opportunities for ministry, and 94 percent agree (strongly + somewhat) that it helps their church fulfill its mission in today’s digital culture.